"It is not enough. Playing without spectators is one possible sanction, but the best would be the deduction of points and the relegation of a team"

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Sepp Blatter has finally admitted football authorities need to take tougher action on racism.

The FIFA president Blatter says racist abuse should be punished by points deductions - and even relegation for clubs concerned.

Blatter said: "It is now up to us to take the adequate steps. What I feel we should do is give instructions to our national associations and the confederations - specifically to the disciplinary committees - to be very strong.

"It is not enough to give a fine. Playing a game without spectators is one of the possible sanctions, but the best would be the deduction of points and the relegation of a team, because finally the club is responsible for their spectators."

Earlier this month, FIFA imposed a one-match spectator ban on Bulgaria for racist abuse by their fans of a Denmark player.

It was the first time the body had imposed anything more than a fine for racism.